Introduction
Are you a former Kaplan student struggling with student loan debt? You’re not alone. Thousands of student loan borrowers who attended Kaplan University face the burden of paying back loans for an education that may not have delivered on its promises. This guide explains your options for student loan forgiveness and how to navigate the complex landscape of student loans after Kaplan’s closure.
Understanding Kaplan University’s Closure and Its Impact
Kaplan University was a for-profit institution that faced numerous challenges before its acquisition by Purdue University in 2018, when it became Purdue Global. The transition left many students with significant debt and questions about their education’s value.
History and Allegations
Owned by Graham Holdings Company, Kaplan faced allegations that it engaged in practices that may have worked to defraud students. These included:
- Misleading marketing about job placement rates
- Questions about educational quality
- Concerns about the true value of degrees
Government investigations highlighted the potentially predatory nature of some of Kaplan’s practices, similar to other for-profit schools like Corinthian.
DeVry Student Loan Forgiveness: The 2025 Guide
What Is Student Loan Forgiveness?
Student loan forgiveness refers to programs that cancel your obligation to repay some or all of your student loan debt. For former Kaplan students, these programs can provide relief if you were misled or if your campus closed.
Types of Student Loans That Qualify
Not all student loans qualify for forgiveness:
| Federal student loans | May qualify for multiple programs |
| Private loans | Limited or no forgiveness options |
| Parent PLUS loans | Some federal programs apply |
Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs for Kaplan Students
Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDAR)
Borrower defense to repayment allows you to apply for loan cancellation if you can prove that Kaplan University misled you or engaged in misconduct.
The Biden administration has strengthened this program, making it easier for Kaplan borrowers to get their loans forgiven. Under Education Secretary Cardona, the U.S. Department of Education has approved more borrower defense applications than in previous years.
How to Apply for BDAR:
- Gather evidence of misrepresentation
- Complete the official borrower defense application at StudentAid.gov
- Include specific details about how Kaplan’s actions affected you
- Submit supporting documentation
The Project on Predatory Student Lending reports that many Kaplan University borrowers have successfully had their federal student loan debt discharged through this program.
Closed School Discharge
If you were enrolled when Kaplan University closed or withdrew shortly before closure, you may qualify for a complete loan cancellation through Closed School Discharge.
The Department of Education has made this process more accessible, meaning former Kaplan students might qualify even if they transferred credits to another school.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness offers a path to forgiveness for Kaplan University students who work in public service sectors. After making 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for an eligible employer, your remaining federal student loan balance could be forgiven.
The Biden administration has temporarily expanded PSLF eligibility, making it easier for borrowers to qualify. This opportunity won’t last forever, so federal student loan borrowers should apply soon.
Income-Driven Repayment Plans
Income-driven repayment plans like the SAVE plan set your monthly payments based on income and family size. After 20-25 years of payments, any remaining federal student loan debt can be forgiven.
The SAVE forgiveness plan offers several benefits:
- Lower monthly payments than previous plans
- Faster path to forgiveness for undergraduate loans
- Better interest benefit protections
Many Kaplan University borrowers are finding relief through these plans while the Department of Education processes their borrower defense claims.
How to Apply for Kaplan Student Loan Forgiveness
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Determine which program fits your situation
- Gather documentation of your enrollment at Kaplan University
- Collect proof of any misleading information you received
- Complete the appropriate application on StudentAid.gov
- Follow up regularly on your application status
Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm (not affiliated with the university) advises borrowers to be thorough in documenting all interactions with Kaplan University.
Challenges and Considerations
Private Student Loans
Unfortunately, loans from Kaplan that came from private lenders usually don’t qualify for federal forgiveness programs. Borrowers with private loans may need to:
- Negotiate directly with lenders
- Consider refinancing options
- Explore state-level protections against predatory lending
Many Kaplan borrowers are left scrambling to find new payment options for their private loans.
Common Issues to Avoid
- Missing application deadlines
- Insufficient documentation
- Falling for scams that charge fees for free federal programs
- Not exploring deferment or forbearance while waiting for forgiveness decisions
Resources and Support for Kaplan Borrowers
The National Student Legal Defense Network and Debt Collective offer support for former for-profit college students. These organizations can help you navigate the complex world of student loan relief.
The official U.S. Department of Education website provides accurate information about forgiveness programs, despite recent US Department of Education layoffs affecting some services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kaplan student loan forgiveness?
Programs that allow Kaplan University students to have their federal student loans canceled due to school closure or misrepresentation.
Am I eligible if I attended Kaplan University?
You may qualify based on when you attended, whether you graduated, and if you can demonstrate that the school misled you.
Can I get forgiveness for private student loans from Kaplan?
Federal forgiveness programs generally don’t apply to private loans. However, some state attorneys general have secured relief for borrowers through lawsuits against lenders.
How long does the forgiveness process take?
The Department of Education typically takes 6-12 months to review borrower defense applications, though some cases may take longer.
Conclusion
If you’re a former Kaplan student burdened by student loan debt, you have options. Through programs like borrower defense to repayment, income-driven repayment plans, and PSLF, you may find a path to becoming debt free.
Stay informed about the changing federal student loan programs under the Biden administration, as new opportunities for relief may emerge. Resources like the financial aid office at your current school or organizations like the Project on Predatory Student Lending can provide guidance specific to your situation.
Remember that while the process may be challenging, thousands of Kaplan University borrowers have successfully received student loan forgiveness. With persistence and the right information, you can navigate the complex student loan repayment landscape and move toward financial freedom.